Warrior Covert QRE 10 Glove Review
The new QRE 10 hockey glove from Warrior is a crème de la crème product packed with all of Warrior’s premier glove specs – including some new tech exclusive to this launch. Not only do they look great but they’re feather light, incredibly responsive and provide top tier protection. The QRE 10 checks all the boxes for an elite level glove and feels amazing right off the wall. Let’s take a look at each spec and material for a rundown of what makes this glove one of our favorites.
Buttersoft Feel
The QRE 10 is built with Warrior’s signature Buttersoft Feel package and to be frank, it’s pretty awesome. The glove is built to be as mobile and responsive as possible. One way to think of this is comparing a pair of those thin knit winter gloves to a thick set of a leather work gloves. The leather gloves are clunky and stiff while the thin knit gloves feel like a second skin. This second skin feeling is what Buttersoft Feel is all about.
The Buttersoft package has a few key components – with the main feature being stretchy gussets. While most glove gussets (material that runs along the edge of the fingers) are made with a soft touch material similar to the palm, the QRE 10 uses a responsive Lycra gusset. Lycra is a spandex material that gives the glove fingers a snappy game ready feel.
SmartPalm+ with Clarino HAR
The QRE 10 is built with a palm package that looks to combine elite performance with enhanced durability. The SmartPalm+ is used throughout the whole palm and into each finger pocket. SmartPalm+ is a soft touch Clarino with a water-resistant coating to prevent premature wear. The soft touch Clarino is a pro-preferred option as it dries quickly and has great stick feel. Thicker palms and overlays tend to make the stick feel sloppy in your hands. Again, for high performance we are looking for a second skin type feeling.
The QRE 10 avoids this sloppy feeling by using a material called Clarino HAR (High Abrasion Resistant) in the high wear areas of the glove. It’s the same material used in mechanics gloves where dexterity and control are essential. With Clarino HAR you get added durability without sacrificing the Buttersoft feel.
AxyFlex Cuff V2
The Covert lineup is known for having a tapered and contoured fit around the wrist and Warrior has designed a new AxyFlex Cuff system to provide total mobile freedom when stickhandling and shooting. The QRE 10 has the V2 version of the AxyFlex cuff which moves with you so while you can twist and turn you hand in any direction you still have full slash protection. The cut, trim and stitching is slightly different than previous Covert models but it will feel familiar to those that fell in love with the V1 AxyFlex Cuff. The multi-piece system allows to wrist to hinge several different ways to so you never feel like the glove is holding you back.
AxyFlex Thumb
The mobile thumb paneling in the QRE 10 uses the same philosophy as the AxyFlex Cuff. Thumb mobility is a common gripe with hockey players as a stiff thumb panel can pull and torque the entire glove. AxyFlex thumb has flexible paneling that allow you to pull the thumb toward the palm without exposing the thumb to slashes. The foam mesh gussets are extremely comfortable and add a bit of protection as well.
AxyFlex Hexagonal Backhand
Is AxyFlex backhand technically something I made up – yes, but I did want to mention it. The paneling on the QRE 10 backhand is broken up to allow pieces to move around the central hexagonal piece. This design works similar to some elbow padding type which allow the outer areas to curve around and out. I think this is a great design because when holding the gloves in a fist it allows the glove to flex around the top point of your backhand.
EXO+ Protect Foams
From a safety and protection standpoint the QRE 10 has you covered. The advanced foams used in the EXO+ protect package are both lightweight and absorb all types of hockey impacts. The layered mixed density foams combined with stiff shield inserts mean the wrist, thumb and backends sections protect you from pucks and sticks. The level of protection in such a lightweight package is superb.
Wartech FNC Liner
A staple in high end Warrior gloves, the Wartech FNC liner is powered by a technology called Polygiene to make sure the gloves are always cool, dry and odor free. It helps that the touch of this liner is super soft as well. The material blocks moisture and odor causing bacteria to get deep into the foams which is what causes most of the stink and can be the hardest to get rid of!
Covert Tapered Fit
Last but not least, we love the look of the QRE 10. As the game of hockey moves toward less bulk and more streamline the tapered look fits the bill. The mix of nylon airy nylon and soft touch synthetic leather give the glove a premium look and the backhand rubberized piece calls out the hexagonal panel design. Warrior has been making great looking high-performance gloves for many, many years and the QRE 10 does not disappoint.
Senior Sizes and colours
13” – 14” – 15“ Black – Navy – Red – Black/Red/White – Navy/Red/White
Junior Sizes and Colours
10” – 11” – 12“ Black – Navy – Red – Black/Red/White – Navy/Red/White
Youth Sizes and Colours
8” – 9” Black – Navy – Red
Leave a comment